Rodri: Man City Always Assured Us They Did Nothing Wrong

Spanish international Rodri has come to the defense of his former club, Manchester City, following reports that the Citizens have been found guilty on 114 of 115 charges related to breaches of Premier League financial rules. The Spanish midfielder, who moved to Barcelona this summer, stated his continued belief in the club's innocence and asserted that the successes achieved during his tenure at the Etihad cannot be erased.

“We faced something similar in 2020. We had a comparable legal process, although the accusation was different. Even then, we were initially found guilty, but we believed in the club and the innocence it maintained, and ultimately, we were acquitted. I believe in the judicial system and I believe in the club's innocence,” Rodri declared at a press conference ahead of Spain’s match against England.

The midfielder was adamant that Manchester City players had always received assurances from the management that no wrongdoing had occurred. “They have always shown us their confidence that they did nothing wrong, and we believe that. Until we are completely convinced otherwise, we will believe in the club. I’ve been there, I know how they operate and how they collaborate. In 2020, we had this example, and in the end, nothing came of it. We were very calm. You never saw the team nervous because of such things,” he added.

Rodri also addressed the potential implications for the trophies City has won in recent years, stating that nothing can diminish what the players achieved on the pitch. “What we accomplished, they cannot take away from us. It’s not paid for with money, but with effort, with partnership, and with being shoulder to shoulder every day. We had many successful years, including here at Wembley. I can tell you that everything was deserved, and I am happy to have experienced one of the best eras in English football,” the Spaniard said.

The case against Manchester City began in 2023, with the accusations covering alleged breaches over several years. Although numerous media outlets have reported on the independent commission's decision, official details and the specific penalties have yet to be announced, and City is expected to appeal. The club continues to deny any wrongdoing and states that the process is still ongoing.